This is going to be a tough one. I have so much love for you all and have grown so much the last two years being a part of the Fenerbahce family. However, the time has come for me to move forward and continue my career in the NBA. This decision has been weighing on me for the past couple years if I was given the chance to play in the NBA again…. Please understand that I want this opportunity more than anything in life right now. I will strive to be better than I was in my first stint in the NBA. I want to be able to say that I can play and compete in the best league in the world.

This decision is solely about competing at the highest level at a game that I love. But the reality is that Fenerbahce and Turkey rekindled my love for basketball. You all helped me become "me" again. For that I am forever grateful.

For my youngins, please be the best person that you can be and strive for greatness. Don’t let anybody tell you that you cannot do something. No matter if you have to take the long route, it will will be worth at the end.

After every season, I plan on coming back to Turkey to see y’all. Soccer matches, basketball camps, and dinners because without y’all, I wouldn’t be here!!!

It is finally over and this season was my best to date. We started on August 28th and got after it from the start. Y’all have to understand that there is a reason why our coach is one of the greatest; from the beginning of the season he goes above and beyond for the small details of the game. Do not cut right, and you will see the red face that we have become accustomed to during games. I always try to handle the small details and stay vocal with him in order to stay away from the madness. But the season started that way and ended the same way. Actually he was more red during our sweep of Besiktas than during the majority of the season.

The season was filled with ups and downs and we did not rise to the occasion of our expectations during the regular season. My feeling during the season was bleak. It was not because of the injuries, but because we could not find our pace on offense. No matter who plays, we should’ve been able to still stay true to our brand of basketball. Kind of like how the Spurs play with or without the main players (I like to compare Obradovic to Popovich). But that was our main problem until we started the EuroLeague playoffs…

Our focus instantly increased after our match up was announced. I had an eerie feeling that this match-up was going to be tough due to our offensive woes. But once the second half of the first game hit, we took our play to another level. To a championship worthy level. We swept and put Europe on notice that Fenerbahce was back and better than ever. You have to understand the feeling of being doubted and counted out and then locking in and sweeping both league playoffs and final four. There are not many other accomplishments that feel better…

This year i learned so much about myself on and off the court. I appreciate Istanbul more and the food even more lol. I appreciate the skin I am in more than ever. Actually, I’m writing this post in Lagos, Nigeria. Such a beautiful country with strong men and women. The season was unforgettable and we are on top of Europe. During this year, basketball is making more noise in Europe and I am grateful that I am a part of the new wave!!!

P.S.The president from a Lithuanian team is out of line for his comments and I hope no black players go to his team or that league. Because trust, more owners feel the same way.

And players, it will be tough due to the many leagues around, but a union needs to be formed. Players are becoming more empowered and need to understand that there is not a game without us. Recently some club presidents and players brought some subjects into perspective so we need to pay attention to each other and look out for each other.